Health

(WXIA) -- Kroger customers in metro Atlanta recently showed that they are a charitable bunch.

During the final two weeks in May, shoppers raised $232,000 for the Children's Miracle Network through the Miracle Balloons promotion.

For only $1, a customer could purchase a paper balloon to hang in a local Kroger. All proceeds from the fundraiser went directly to Children's Miracle Network hospitals and health networks, such as Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

"Kroger customers consistently show their care for our communities by constantly going above and beyond with their charitable donations," Glynn Jenkins, spokesperson for Kroger's Atlanta division, said in a release. "Through their support of the Miracle Balloons program, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children."

ATLANTA -- Thomas Eye Group, a leading metro Atlanta eye care provider offering comprehensive services including LASIK and medical, surgical and cosmetic eye care, has announced that it is celebrating 40 years as one of the region’s most preferred ophthalmology practices.

“We are very grateful for the patients and communities that have entrusted us with their eye care for the past 40 years,” said CEO Rod Roeser. “Reaching this milestone is a credit to the compassionate care and commitment of our doctors and staff.”

Founded by W. Kevin Thomas, M.D. and Stephen B. Levine, M.D., Thomas Eye Group has served the metro Atlanta community since 1974. The company began as a general ophthalmology practice in Sandy Springs with Dr. Kevin Thomas seeing adult patients and Dr. Stephen Levine, a pediatric ophthalmologist, treating pediatric patients.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Wednesday, May 21 is World CPR Challenge Day, and DeKalb County Fire Rescue is offering residents a chance to learn this lifesaving skill for free.

The department has teamed up with American Medical Response to host CPR clinics at locations across the county. AMR technicians will teach compression-only CPR (set to the beat of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive") from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

DECATUR, Ga. -- All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) has announced the establishment of the Sarah Kenan Kennedy Endowment Fund, a new $2.5 million gift to the nonprofit organization. The endowment will fund in perpetuity programs at AADD (www.aadd.org) for those individuals and families that do not have the financial resources to access services provided by AADD. It was created by Sarah’s husband, Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises, in honor of his wife’s volunteering and commitment to the organization.

The endowment is the largest ever gift to AADD, which provides support services, advocacy and training to Georgia families living with developmental disabilities. Funds from the endowment will support services and programs to families who cannot afford services and do not have state funded waivers to purchase services. In 2015 it will fund two full-time positions at AADD and help more than 500 families who live independently in the community.

The FSC serves individuals and families living with developmental disabilities in metro Atlanta, offering assistance during difficult life transitions. Support groups are designed for moms, dads, siblings and entire families, providing information to make informed choices that build on their strengths.

“For people living with developmental disabilities, everyday life is full of challenges,” said Kathy Keeley, AADD’s executive director. “There are emotional, physical and financial issues. AADD’s support groups and workshops are designed to assist individuals with different perspectives navigate all of the challenges and obstacles.”

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Fulton County Commission Chairman, District 1, John H. Eaves received the Grady Champion Award during the 2nd Annual “Honoring Healthcare Champions Awards.”

Chairman Eaves was one of eight community leaders, medical professionals and non-profit executives honored by the Hospital Authority for their leadership in efforts to support Grady Hospital and build healthier communities.

The awards dinner followed the 2013 Health Summit, which brought governmental leaders and healthcare professionals together to discuss healthcare issues affecting Fulton and Dekalb counties.

The Healthcare Champions were honored for research, advocacy, donations and inspired leadership. Standing with Chairman Eaves (center) were Pete Correll (left), Chairman of the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation and Thomas Dortch, Chairman of the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority Board of Trustees.

He calls Atlanta home, Dolvette of NBC's The Biggest Loser, stopped by Conn TV Studios to talk about his new lifestyle book about balance, not diet! You don't want to miss what he says about emotion, details, health and much much more.